Mexico still most popular destination for IU students

If you're not going home or staying in Bloomington for spring break, the first decision that needs to be made is your destination. This year, as in years past, Cancun is a favorite for IU students.\nThe clubs and parties in Cancun are what attract students most, said Mia Martin, manager of STA travel. "The big draw is the nightlife," she said. \nAnother draw for many students, Martin said, is Cancun's clubs, which stay open all night.\nSophomore Ashley Grant, who plans on going to Cancun in March, is drawn by the nightlife as well. \n"It's a lot of drunk partying," she said.\nSenior Tedi Vlahu, who went to Cancun last year, said the partying in Cancun is better than at IU.\n"Here, you go to a party, and there's music, and people are just hanging out," Vlahu said. "In Cancun, there's music and people, but everyone's having a blast."\nBut Vlahu said a price can come with good partying, and Cancun has many hidden costs. Although Vlahu got a package that included his hotel and meals expenses, it was not all-inclusive. He had to pay for drinks and a mandatory tip at all meals. Also, Vlahu said, gratuities can be expensive.\n"Everywhere you go, expect someone to ask you for a tip," Vlahu said.\nAnother hot spot for students is Acapulco, Martin said. Acapulco, also in Mexico, is on the Pacific Coast, so it offers big waves in addition to parties.\nJunior Courtney Houghton, who plans on going to Acapulco for spring break, has heard more about the partying than anything else.\n"For a lot of people who have been to Cancun, Acapulco is the next place they want to go," Martin said.\nJamaica is another favorite for IU students. While it is not as "built up" as Cancun and Acapulco, Jamaica is more laid back, Martin said.\n"You can just walk down the beach from party to party," she said.\nFlorida is also a popular place to go for students who don't want to spend quite as much.\n"It's cheaper than going out of the country," said junior Julie Ball, who is planning a trip to Fort Lauderdale. \nWhile cruises are a popular getaway, new rules on most boats have created problems for many college students. Most cruises now require the presence of at least one 25-year-old if a group includes one or more people under 21.\n-- Contact Staff Writer David Charles at dacharle@indiana.edu.